Another week has passed and more retail news is coming your way with the gang! Andrew, Alicia, and Nick dive into True Religion's come back, JC Penneys new team, and much much more!
JCPenney & Sparc Group Merge:
JCPenney joins forces with Sparc Group to form Catalyst Brands, creating a $9B revenue giant with 8,800 stores.
New leadership shuffle: Marc Rosen as CEO, with brand execs from JCPenney, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, and more.
Hosts debate: Is this a strategic play or just vultures circling struggling brands? Real estate or retail revival?
True Religion’s Comeback:
True Religion gets acquired by Acon Investments and SB360 Capital (linked to American Eagle’s CEO).
Despite past bankruptcies, the brand grew 20% in 2023—thanks to cultural relevance and smart marketing moves.
Is this smart growth or just rich people collecting brands like it’s Pokémon?
Timestamps:
[00:00:04] Intro & Catalyst Brands merger
[00:10:45] Is JCPenney doomed or primed for a comeback?
[00:30:20] True Religion’s surprising growth & acquisition
